What we heardwhat we know Presented by: Katie Burns Markham Candice - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Making the Connections: What we heard…what we know

Presented by: Katie Burns – Markham Candice Einstoss – York Region Public Health

What is a Food Charter?

• A statement of values and principles to guide

food and agriculture policy

• Developed by a broad spectrum of community

interests and organizations

• Addresses a range of issues and opportunities

related to food and agriculture

• Unique for each community

Why do we need a Food Charter?

• To respond to an increasing awareness and

interest in food and agriculture

• To bring together stakeholders working on all

parts of the food system

• To develop a baseline understanding
• f the current state of food and agriculture
• To foster understanding, education and

partnerships

• To prioritize issues, opportunities and action

What will a Food Charter do?

• Provide direction for municipalities and

community organizations

– Decision-making – Policy – Programs

• Promote collaboration between different

sectors

• Kick-start action projects

Elements of York Regions’ Food Charter

• Action-oriented

– Commitments – Actions

• Measure Progress

– Short and long-term indicators

• Working Document

– Review periodically – Update regularly

York Region’s Food Charter?

What makes a good indicator?

• Representative of the issue being considered
• Easy to interpret/understand
• Data available
• Invites action
• Can track over time

Food for Change: Building a Food Charter Nov 9 2011 Conversation Café Themes

• Health & Wellbeing
• Education
• Economic Development and Sustainability
• Environment & Ecological Health
• Equity and Social Justice
• Culture & Celebration

What we know

Health & Wellbeing:

• 26% of Ontario children and youth ages 2-17 are
• verweight or obese
• 60% of children and youth consume fewer than 5

servings of vegetables and fruit per day

• 42% of adults consume more than 5 servings of

vegetables and fruit per day

• People are more likely to meet their nutrition needs

when healthy, affordable food are easily accessible

Proposed Indicators:

Health & Wellbeing:

• York Region Food Desert Mapping
• Fruit and Vegetable consumption
• # of school breakfast/food programs
• Obesity rates
• Map fast food vs. fresh food retail/restaurants

What we know

Equity & Social Justice:

• In 2010, York Region food banks provided food

for over 52,000 (up 20% from 2008)

• 1 in 8 of York Region residents live in low-

income families

• Cost of feeding a family of 4: $177. 86/week

Proposed Indicators:

Equity and Social Justice:

• Use of food banks
• Cost of the food basket
• Food programs and services focused on addressing

poverty

• Food programs and services focused on supporting

new Canadians

• Farmer incomes, cost of farm land

What we know

Culture and Celebration:

• York Region is home to more than 200 distinct

ethnic groups

• Two out of five residents are visible minorities
• Many different cultural and food celebrations

across the Region

• Food brings people together

Proposed Indicators:

Culture and Celebration:

• # of cultural events and festivals
• Local media stories and social media (blogs,

facebook, twitter, etc.) focused on food

• Restaurants and retailers that serve York Region

grown food

• # of organizations working on food in York Region
• # of religious organizations, culturally specific

programs

What we know

Education:

• York Region Food for Learning – providing breakfast

and snack programs to approximately 24,000 students

• Limited food skills/literacy programs available - need

to enhance education of food preparation, meal planning, cooking skills, label reading and making healthy food choices

• There are currently 4 school gardens and 10

community gardens

Proposed Indicators:

Education:

• # of food education programs (skills, cooking,

nutrition, gardening, etc.)

• # of school gardens/kitchens
• # of community gardens/kitchens
• Farmer to farmer education opportunities

(internships, mentorship, incubators, etc.)

What we know

Economic Development and Sustainability:

• There are approx. 4,300 jobs in York Region’s

agricultural industry

• There are 9 farmers' markets in the Region

that offer locally grown seasonal, agricultural products

• Local food procurement policy - 1

Proposed Indicators:

Economic Development:

• Farmer and farming statistics, # of farms & farmers,

demographics (ageing trend), farm sales

• # of farmers markets, on-farm markets, CSAs, and
• ther local food purchasing options
• # of food processors, breakdown by type
• # of local food procurement policies in large

institutions

• Agri-tourism sector

What we know

Environment

• York Region is home to the one of richest

agricultural lands in Ontario

• Approx. 38% of York Region’s land use is

devoted to farming activities

• Increasing consumer interest in locally grown

food, reducing food miles and minimizing green-house emissions

Proposed Indicators:

Environment:

• Agricultural land use v. other types of land use
• Urban agriculture, land use
• % of farms with Environmental Farm Plans
• Food waste/Community composting
• Food miles

Next Steps…

Let’s make connections and start the conversation!

• What is your response to what you have heard so far today?
• From your perspective, what do you see as the next steps?
• Who should be involved?

Looking for involvement from you!